Theoretical insight into the influence of molecular ratio on the binding energy and mechanical property of HMX/2-picoline-N-oxide cocrystal, cooperativity effect and surface electrostatic potential

ABSTRACT

Molecular dynamics method was employed to study the binding energies and mechanical properties of the selected crystal planes of the energetic/nonenergetic 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX)/2-picoline-N-oxide cocrystal in different molecular ratios. The solvent effect in HMX:2-picoline-N-oxide (1:1) was calculated, and the cooperativity effect was discussed in HMX···HF/CH₄···2-picoline-N-oxide by using the M06-2X and MP2(full) methods at the 6-311++G^** basis set. The density, oxygen balance and detonation velocity were calculated. The results indicate that HMX/2-picoline-N-oxide prefers cocrystalising in the 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 molar ratios, in which the cocrystals own the highest binding energy and best ductility. The cooperativity effect is present in the cyclic complex with CH₄, while the anti-cooperativity effect is found in the HF complex. Thus, in order to obtain stable HMX/2-picoline-N-oxide cocrystal, the solvent with low dielectric constant should be chosen, as is in accordance with the result from solvent effect. The reduced density gradient (RDG) and surface electrostatic potential analysis confirms the cooperativity effect and reveals the nature of decreased sensitivity in complex (or cocrystal). The cocrystals in the molar ratios of 5:1–10:1 could be satisfactory in view of explosive properties.

KEYWORDS:

• HMX/2-picoline-N-oxide cocrystal
• molecular dynamics
• molecular ratio
• mechanical property
• cooperativity effect
• surface electrostatic potential

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.